Some of you may have started classes days ago; others may have just have a few short moments of freedom left.  Either way the Fall 2012 semester is upon us. Fall behind during the first week and you'll find yourself playing catch up until December.  The GlamNERDS are here to make sure that you start the semester the right way.

1. Show up- Many students make their first mistake by skipping the first class. We’ve heard it (and probably said it) a thousand times  "You never really do anything on the first day of class. “ It’s always a flip of the coin. Sometimes you’ll go in, the professor will introduce him/herself, hand out the syllabi, have you fill out an information index card and send you on your merry way. Other times, the professor will fulfill these tasks in the first 15 minutes of class and then dive right into the first class lecture/discussion. You never know how the coin will fall so, just to go to class. Get out of bed, get dressed and get yourself in the practice of getting to class on time. You can bet,  the tougher the course content, the more likely your professor will want to get started on the first day. Miss the first lecture, when the fundamentals and basics are covered and you run the risk of being completely clueless for the remainder of course.  #jussayin. 
2. Really Read the Syllabus- It’s likely that the Professor will go over it the first day but give your syllabus a thorough read through on your own.  Your syllabus will explain course content, course structure and course requirements.  It will identify what readings are required vs. recommended, when assignments are due and tell you exactly what is necessary for you succeed.  Will you have to write papers weekly? Will there be quizzes, or is your total grade based on a midterm and a final? It's best to know the answers to these questions upfront so that you can plan how to manage you time, energy and efforts.  Also, pay attention to the scheduling of courses and how (and if) your professors grade your attendance and class participation. I’m not one to tell you to skip class but life happens and sometimes you won't be able to make every class.  The syllabus will tell you what classes you need not miss vs when an absence is not that serious.
3. Use Your Syllabus in Planning your Semester- Get your calendar, planner, cell phone, or however you keep track of important dates and make note of deadlines for all major papers/projects/assignments and scheduled exams. This will help you plan and structure your other responsibilities around your coursework. For example, if you know you’ll have a heavy week of exams or papers or a group project, you can cut back on your hours at work, or know not to plan a road trip the weekend before, etc.  You’re in college now.  Don’t rely on you professor to remind you of these things. Usually, they won't.
4. First Impressions are Everything- Remember, first impressions are lasting ones.  If you spend the entire first class tweeting, napping, doodling or just looking, you may have set yourself up. Your professor/TA could very well think you're a slacker and you’ll be working the entire semester to disprove that label. Even in huge lecture classes, professors can spot and remember students. Be prepared for your first day and be remembered for the right reasons. Try to get there on time, don’t sit in the back, pay attention and look engaged (even if you aren’t). You don’t have to be extra in order to make a good first impression. It could be as simple as going up and introducing yourself to the professor before or after class. Set yourself apart, the right way, and it will pay off. Trust me. 
5. The Textbook Hustle- There are several posts about textbooks on TheGlamNERDS.com.  But sharing ways to saving a coin when purchasing school supplies and course materials is information that bears repeating.  In this case, I advise students to take time at the start of the semester to use you syllabus to refine your textbook shopping list.  Don't buy books if you don't have to.  Reading your syllabi will let you know if you’re going to be reading an entire book or just reading certain chapters/sections.  If you will only be reading three to four chapters of a book, see if your campus library has book and take it out and make copies. You could even approach the professor and see if he/she can put those chapters on E-Reserve so you can access the readings online and print them out. Also, check bulletin boards and Facebook to see if others in your network have taken a class and wouldn’t mind letting you borrow the book for a semester or selling it to you for a better price.   If you’re cool with your professor, you could even ask him/her if they have an extra copy of the book that you could use for the semester. Publishers typically send them extra copies and if you play your cards right you can get one.  Think quick, think smart, it may save you a dime or two. SEARCH the GlamNERDS for the Textbook Hustle BlogPost for more information. 

 I hope this helps. Here's too a super successful semester for us all.  

 Photo Courtesy of http://www.degreepivot.com/

Photo Courtesy of http://www.unigo.comwww.textbooks.com

Textbooks.com features a list of authorized sellers with competitive prices that can help you find your textbook at the best price.  The site also offers varying prices for the condition of the books. You can purchase books that are new, slightly new, good, or acceptable condition.  Textbooks.com sorts prices from least to greatest and provides a range of shipping options ranging from next day delivery to standard business delivery.  You can also track your orders on their website after they have been shipped and communicate directly with the book seller. Finally, textbooks.com also provides a platform for you to sell your used books to the next student in need.  

*Quick Tip*-  When searching for textbooks online, searching by ISBN number is quicker and much more efficient than searching by book title and author.  There are thousands of the textbooks out there with the same name, publishing house, etc.  Searching by ISBN ensures you receive the right edition/volume of the textbook that you are shopping for.  This number is typically the ten digit number above or below the barcode on the outside cover of the book.  I figured I'd throw that in here for free! READ ON!

www.campusbookrentals.com

Photo Courtesy of http://techpolish.comThis is a new approach to acquiring textbooks. Personally, I'm slightly P.O’d that this service was not available during my undergraduate years especially as I am uber impressed with the services that Campusbookrentals.com provides.  In addition to fast and fabulous customer service, Campus Book Rentals offers a host of other amenities.  You can rent your textbooks and return them at the end of the semester.  There is a 30 day worry free guaranteed that ensures your money back should you drop or change classes.  The site also offers a range of rental periods as well as the option to extend your rental should you need your books a little longer than anticipated.  Campusbookrentals.com even provides a prepaid envelope for free shipping for book returns!!! Yes hunny, FREE!!! The company promises that book delivery is always on time and if there are any problems you can call and speak to an actual HUMAN customer service representative.  Ya'll know I can't take those automated recording and machines and things.   Finally, renting is a great way to save especially for those who buy brand new books at the start of the semester only to get your feelings hurt during buy back season.   The meager penance offered after you've shelled out 2/3 of your summer earnings for textbooks is downright insulting. This company also host monthly scholarships and giveaways on FB and Twitter.  You could  enter to win free rental service and end up with all of your textbook for nothing. For the Flipping Win!!! 

I've already started browsing the net for the best deals on my books this semester and I encourage you all to join me. 

I hope this is a help to someone. Take care and let's make this semester GREAT! Don’t forget to check back for the next post on Friday! 

 Photo Courtesy of http://union.okstate.edu/bookstore/

Used Books!-  USED books are a ministry.. a gift to the body of believers and I’m so grateful! First check the shelves of your campus bookstore for used edition, but be advised, these typically are the first to sell out. If you can’t get your used books on campus then you should try shopping for them online, For more information on how I approach that.. Click HERE  Also, be sure to search for  the sites with the best deals, start with free shipping but keep your eyes peeled for other coupon codes as well.

Read Your Syllabi and Plan Your Pockets Accordingly-   Reading the syllabus will let you know if you’re going to be reading complete books or just reading certain chapters/sections. This will help you plan your pockets. If you will be reading 3/4 chapters of the book, borrow the book from you campus library and make copies. If you run into trouble finding the book on your campus, look into your interlibrary loan policies and check local public libraries as well. It may take some legwork, but it can also save you a dollar or two. 

There's No Shame in Asking- Approach your professor and request that course readings and book chapters be loaded  onto E-Reserve, Classweb, Blackboard, or any other platform that would allow you to access the readings online and print them out. I also advise students to print online readings at start of the semester and organize them in one binder/folder.

I also encourage students to approach professors privately and ask if they have an extra copy of the book that you could use for the semester.  Publishing houses often send faculty multiple copies of books to review.   You never know, your Prof just might be feeling generous. This is another reason why it pays to be cordial to your professors. 

Use Your Network-  Check campus bulletin boards, online message boards, Facebook etc., to see if others in your network/social circles have taken your class and would be open to letting you borrow their book for a semester or sell it to you a discounted price.   

Share but, do so at your Own Risk-  Some student share textbooks.  (Personally, I like to have my own book, but this ain’t about me). Sharing textbooks can cut cost tremendously. If you took plan to a class this  Fall and your friend plans to take the same course the following Spring, split the cost of a new/used textbook and and save a buck. Professors don’t typically switch editions mid year so if it’s the exact same course, taught by the same professor you should be ok.  But please be advised, sharing textbooks for a class that both parties are taking at the same time can be tough.  You will  have the same assignments due on the same days  and trying to figure out who gets the book when can be a pain.  Having total access to your own textbook at all times is  essential to effective studying. 

Be sure to check back on Wednesday for more information on The Textbook Hustle! We’ll be talking textbooks all week!

After high school the stigma of summer school loses its sting. It’s no longer a punishment for missteps taken during the previous academic year.  In college & graduate school, if used strategically, summer courses can be a gift. They can be an opportunity to remedy bad grades & GPAs.  They can ease course loads in subsequent semesters, and even prepare one for graduate school or to graduate early.  However, it is important to remember that summer courses are not typically structured like the courses that you take during fall and spring academic semesters.  These courses are shorter and much more strenuous.  Many students enroll in summer classes unaware of how challenging they can be.  As a result they struggle through the summer sessions and may even withdraw or fail out of their classes. And, ain't nobody got time FAH DAT! (Sweet, Brown, 2012)   I’ve been there and now I’m here to share the five things that I wish someone would have told me about summer classes before I signed up for the worst 6 weeks of my life a few summers ago.   

1. Environmentally Sanctioned Cramming- Summer school is in fact, environmentally sanctioned cramming.  The average summer session lasts between 4-6 weeks. Most fall and spring semesters are typically three to four times longer than that.  During the summer, your professor crams 16 weeks of content and credit hours into a very small block of time.  Course concepts and ideas will be thrown at you at lightening speed with little to no elucidation.   In other words, your professor may or may not have time to walk you through the subject matter to ensure that you really understand the course material before tests/papers.   Be strategic in selecting your summer courses and try taking summer classes in subjects that you are familiar with; where you feel that you can grasp and retain the information easily. 
2. Long Hours - Most summer courses typically meet a minimum of 3 to 4 hours each class session.  This is particularly painful as summer days are longer and nicer.  While your friends are on the beach you will be in a classroom. It sucks but try to remember that this necessary inconvenience is just temporary.  Try your best to stay focused on your course readings and assignments and it will be over before you know it.
3. Quick Turn Around on Assignments- Because the pace of summer courses is accelerated, you will find that assignment due dates are much more frequent than you’re probably accustomed to.  Consider this a warning, you will have to balance large reading assignments, homework, papers and exams.  When you receive your syllabus on the first day of class read it thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the course requirements right away.  Be prepared to devote quite a bit of time outside of class to your assignments and organize yourself to meet your deadlines and due dates.
4. Don’t Miss Class- Remember, missing a day in summer school is like missing a week of class during the fall or spring semester.  Keeping up with your readings and assignments is challenging enough, falling behind can really make it tough to stay a float. Try your best to make every session and if you must miss class do all that you can access class time.  Ask a classmate record the lecture or ask your professor to be skyped in to listen to class discussion remotely. 
5. Financial Aid- Last but certainly not least, please don’t forget that your summer courses are not free.  Most financial aid offices package students for the classes taken during the fall and spring semesters only.  If you know that you are going to be taking summer courses when filing your FAFSA, signing your award letters, etc., please be sure to inform your financial aid officer. He/she can work with you in finding/securing the funding that you’ll need to pay for your summer courses.

I hope this is helps. If you have any questions you know how to reach me.

Till  Next Time,

Image Courtesy of http://community.pennfoster.edu

This is not a substitution for reading for class.  Ideally we should all strive to complete our reading as assigned by our professors. However, acquiring the skill of identifying main themes in your reading is one that will serve you throughout your academic career. 

The first thing about comprehensive skimming is reading on purpose.  A lot of times we open our textbooks to our assigned pages/chapters and just start reading. That should not be your first step.  Each class session is connected to the one before so review your class notes and your syllabus to gain an idea of what this week’s class (or the one you are currently preparing for) will be all about.  If your teacher provides discussion points or reading guides that’s even better.  He/she has done some of the work for you.  Be sure to take full advantage.  Use this information to help you hone in on what the key ideas are.

Secondly, read the introduction and conclusion sections of chapters and articles thoroughly.  The introduction sets the stage and usually lays out the main ideas of the reading are.  The conclusion does the same but tends to also include references and examples of the key concepts.   I read these sections first to kind of guide me to the necessary information in the reading. Then I can use this information in sifting through the chapter/article looking for the portions of reading that discuss the main themes at length. 

Lastly, read for understanding.  Make sure that you’re not just reading the information to say you did it. Read with the intention of understanding the text.  You should be trying to connect the reading to the overall class discussion, your own previous understanding/knowledge, etc..  Not just glazing over the words.   I’m speaking directly to my rabid highlighters.  Those who just color every word and line of the paper but couldn’t tell you what the hell the author is actually saying .   To help with this process, I use my margins to paraphrase key concepts and make my own examples/applications of the subject matter.  I also write down questions and identify areas that need further exploration.  Engaging with reading in this way helps  to make sure you’re genuinely digesting, conceptualizing and learning course materials.

This is one of the methods that I use in preparing for class, again I’m no genius and I don’t claim to do everything right. I’m just sharing what I’ve learned so far in hopes that it can benefit someone else.  Happy Studying

Don’t wait until the first day of school to buy your books. Visit bookstores as soon as you can to determine what books you will need for each of your classes. Once you’ve got that information, be resourceful identify the books that you can obtain for nothing  (via libraries, book swaps, etc) and shop around for the best prices (whether purchasing or renting). You can find more information on textbooks by checking out the links below for previous posts and videos on acquiring course materials. 

The Textbook Hustle

The Hustle Continues (More Textbook TIps) 

Check out my Review of Amazon's Textbook Rental Service (Video)

It is also imperative that you attend all of your classes and obtain and review your syllabi. Your professors aren't handing them out as a formality. Consider them a outline of how the semester will with progress.  They will tell you when certain content areas will be covered, how many assignments/exams you will be responsible and when they will be due/given. I encourage my students to read them thoroughly, that way you will know what you're up against.  Additionally, many students believe the myth that showing up for the very first class is nt mandatory. That is a  bold face bald headed big burly lie.  Education is a booming industry; classes are crowded.  Most professors have a lot of information to cover and not much to cover it with.  This is especially the case in the spring semester, with holidays, spring breaks and snow days.   To make sure they get through all of the subject matter most profs jump in on the first day.  So you’ve got to be there.  You can find more information on how to make a great first impression and how get the most of your first week of the school by clicking the link below.  

Starting the Semester Right

There will be lots more Back to School information in upcoming posts.  Keep reading and please tell a friend to come check us out as well.

For each class it’s best to find out....

1.  The format of your midterm- Is it an exam? ( if so is it multiple choice, Short Answer, Essay,etc.). Is it a paper? Project? Etc.

2. The date and time of your midterm or when your midterm must be submitted to your Professor.

3. Find out if your midterm will be cumulative or non cumulative- Cumulative exams assess your knowledge of all the course content from the first day of class until this point.  In other words, what was discussed the first week of class will probably be on the exam. Non-Cumulative exams just test you on the material that was taught since the most recent exam/assessment .  

4. Find out if your professor or TA will provide in class review or access to study guides.  If so, plan to attend them. If not, consider supplementing your personal study with group study.

5. If you don’t know already, find out your current standing in class ( In other words, inquire about prior test grades, missing assignments, etc. 

6. Review returned quizzes, exams. paper and assignments. Read and review your feedback and comments that your professors made on your tests/quizzes, especcial the questions you got wrong.  Note areas where you professors made specific suggestions that would improve the quality of your work. If you’re unclear about anything you see in these comments don’t be afraid to reach out to you professors or TA. If necessary, you can even visit office hours, study groups or supplemental instructions sections. If you’ve struggled in a course thus far, learning where you’ve gone wrong is the first step you should take in making sure you don’t make the same mistakes twice.

Asking these questions will best prepare you to handle midterm season Fall 2011.  . Most of the answers to these questions can be found on your syllabi and/or through a brief conversation with your professor before or after your next class. I’ve learned the hard way that failure to be organized about your studying results in a lot of unnecessary anxiety, stress and cramming.   Save yourself the heartache.  I’ll be back with more study tips later in the week. As always I hope this helps. Feel free to leave your comments, questions, feedback below.

Photo Courtesy of  http://farm3.static.flickr.com/

1. Have a Plan-  Nothing grinds my gears like asking a student about his/her plans for the semester and hearing the infamous “ I don’t know” as a response.  When I hear it I have to pray and consciously repress the reflex like desire to immediately throat chop my student and consequentially lose my job. Even if you have not yet decided your major you should have some sort of idea of the classes you’d like to take this semester.  Take some responsibility for you college experience.  It's the moment you've been waiting for,  you get to take what you want to, when you want to.  Familiarize yourself with your degree requirements, read through the course calendar, etc.  Identify required courses and courses that may be of interest to you.   This way when you meet with your advisor, you have something to build on.
2. You have an Advisor, take advantage – In my experience I’ve noticed two common misconceptions when it comes academic advisors.  Either students treat advisors like personal shoppers and expect them to find and select all of their classes for them, or students don’t feel that they need academic advisors and  take care of their own course registration.  Realistically, the student /advisor relationship should be a balance of these two extremes.  You as a student must take responsibility for your education but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself.   Your advisor is an indispensable resource that you should take full advantage of.  Your advisor is there to help you find yourself and find your way through your college experience.  Think of him/her as a liaison, a person who is there to connect you to the classes, professors, campus resources etc that will maximize your academic experience. 
3. Make You Liberal Arts/General Education Requirement Your First Order of Business - Ask any senior who waited until his/her last year to take Public Speaking 101 of Intro to Biology (Plants & Phyla) and he/she will tell you that putting liberal arts/general education requirements off is not the move.  These classes are fundamental and introductory requirements and everyone has to take them.  This almost always means that these classes are of boring, crowded and offered at inopportune times.  If you are a freshman, sophomore, take as many of these liberal arts/general education classes as you can. If you have to get up at 8:30am on MWF, trust me, you would rather do it your freshman year! In your junior/senior years you will need to focus your time and energy on your major classes and preparing for graduate school. Also if you have no idea what you want to do with you life, and haven’t declared a major taking these classes can also help you find your niche. 
4. Keep it Real- Be honest with yourself,  figure out the conditions under which you are most efficient and productive and try  your best to govern your schedule accordingly. Take a long hard look at yourself and be honest even if it exposes some of your flaws.  For example, I’m tragically tardy and I’m not a morning person.  I played myself one time and registered for an 8am class.  It was TERRIBLE.  Mid semester I promised God that if he got me through that class I’d never ever play myself like that again.  Avoid what you know won’t work. For example, If you’re like me and can’t pry yourself from your bed until you’ve hit the snooze button 25 times. DO NOT fill up your schedule with all morning classes.  
5. 15 credits or Better * Case Closed* - A lot of times, students are told to only take the minimum number of credits  (12) as to not “overwhelm” themselves. Baby, That is GRADE A BOLOGNA!!!! Nobody taking 12 credits each semester (fall and spring) will graduate in four years without taking summer or winter session classes (which are typically not covered by your financial aid).  The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was to tell a senior he/she wouldn’t be graduating on time because they were short 2, 3, 4 classes. It may take some doing, but as a college student you can and will learn to multitask and prioritize to handle your courses. Multitasking and time management are a part of every adult’s life.  College/grad school is the perfect training ground to learn these valuable lessons. A great way to do that is to take as many classes as you can.  I recommend students carry a minimum of 15-18 each semester.  

I hope this has been helpful to you.  Keep it here for more  on the Back to School 2011 Series.

Photo Courtesy of www.Blogcdn.comOn Monday July 18th, Amazon Kindle announced the launch of their long awaited Textbook Rental Service. Now students can rent ebook versions of their textbooks at discounted rates.  Textbooks can be rented from 30 to 365 days. Students can even extend rental or even purchase the ebook at a discounted rate after the student established renting period has expired.  Kindle allows students to electronically highlight passages in their e textbooks and make annotations, which can also be accessed throughout the textbook rental period and after it’s expiration.  So now you may thinking, “but I don’t have a Kindle.” No worries.  Kindle apps can be downloaded for Mac, PC, Blackberry, IPad, IPhone Android and Windows Phone 7 Users.

 Photo Credit 

While I have yet to use this resource personally, I would definitely recommend that students give it a try. I can see it being useful especially in classes where professors use multiple textbooks and reading materials throughout the year. Personally,  I loathe having to buy 7 and 8 textbooks for a class, especially when professors may only require a few chapters from each.  I also think the capacity for highlighting and making annotations on your e- textbooks is really an excellent feature, especially since you can access your notes even after your textbook rental has expired. However, I am concerned that since this is a brand new service, most textbook publishers will likely have not bought on to the textbook rental service and that most books will likely not be available for rent.  But, I do encourage students to check out the textbook store to see for themselves. I would also advise that students rent for the semester as opposed to just one month as you see the additional costs in doing so is minimal.  You often need to refer back to your books during midterms and finals. 

Finally, it’s also important to test the waters first.    Start with one or two rented textbooks to see if  reading and studying electronically suits you.  Some of us tend to do better when we can hold and handle actual pages. E Readers are not for everybody.  But if you can handle it, I find the Amazon Kindle Textbook Rental service to be a great resource for students.    

Check it out and Don't Miss the Bus!